AASU to Hold Regional Conference on Cyber Security September 19-20

Savannah, GA— Examining the critical role of cyber security—for the regional business community, for private citizens, and for all levels of government—will be the focus of Regional Approach to Cyber Security, Armstrong Atlantic State University's Fifth Science in Savannah Symposium, September 19-20.

Armstrong Atlantic will join with the U.S. Attorney's Office-Southern District of Georgia to conduct the symposium. U.S. Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson will give the keynote address on September 19.

"Computer technology has benefited immeasurably almost every aspect of our lives," said AASU President Thomas Z. Jones. "Nonetheless, these benefits have been accompanied by rising criminal activity using this rapidly growing technology."

Virus attacks on business networks and personal computers, network break ins, industrial espionage, software piracy, and bank and credit card fraud are just some of the many ways this technology has been used for criminal purposes.

"Our goal is to bring together information security specialists from the region so that collaborations can be developed and expertise shared in the fight against cyber crime," said Jones.

Speakers will explore the latest techniques and strategies needed to deter, react to and investigate these cyber crimes. Topics will include on-line crime, identity theft, corporate security, homeland security and cyber threats, encryption and other tools of terrorism.

Representatives from major firms important to the region, private high technology and high growth firms, venture capitalists, and economic development professionals contributed to the planning of the conference. Input was also gathered from educators, city and county government officials, and local, state, and national law enforcement personnel.

Registration for the two-day symposium is $95. It is open to the public, including all panel discussions and presentations, two luncheons, and an on-campus networking dinner on the evening of September 19.

For symposium details and registration, call AASU's Department of Continuing Education at 912.927.5322 or email conted@mail.armstrong.edu.

September 11, 2002